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What actually keeps you in the job?

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
RuralVan
Posts: 48
Joined: 06 Dec 2024, 12:48
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by RuralVan »

Legacy..

Working outside

My own boss outside.

Hanging on for a half decent pension.
loyalsnail
Posts: 105
Joined: 23 Feb 2011, 10:24
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by loyalsnail »

The biggest difference between a job you enjoy and a job you hate is your personal attitude towards your job.
dazzler123
Posts: 472
Joined: 11 Oct 2021, 17:36
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by dazzler123 »

Woody84 wrote:
21 Feb 2026, 22:12
I enjoy the outdoor part of the job and I haven’t come across something that I think I’d enjoy doing more… yet.

I’m constantly looking though.
Same, the outdoor bit is the tradeoff for the indoor bit
LouBarlow
Posts: 4702
Joined: 15 Oct 2007, 18:56

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by LouBarlow »

We are on 9 day fortnights which I really like. Any similarly paid jobs will be worse hours, when you look at other couriers and delivery folks. Still latest finish is 3pm and as early as 2pm which you won’t get anywhere else.
Pfrizzy10
Posts: 129
Joined: 07 Aug 2022, 21:00
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Pfrizzy10 »

As long as there are finish times, I couldn’t give a bollocks what they do. :cuppa
Work to time, always.
steve1873
Posts: 787
Joined: 08 Oct 2007, 13:55

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by steve1873 »

The grass isnt always greener on the other side.

I am in a fairly fortunate postion though if being on a "legacy" contract, having enough service to get 6 weeks leave and have, in general, very decent managers. There is also plenty of overtime opportunites. Although since the new year this hasn't been the case admittedly.
Tman
Posts: 4129
Joined: 21 Oct 2007, 09:57

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Tman »

Lot's of positive replies for a change.
Not so many "I wanna be a bin man" whines.
ted_e_bear
Posts: 3966
Joined: 03 Sep 2012, 19:37
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by ted_e_bear »

Tman wrote:
22 Feb 2026, 11:48
Lot's of positive replies for a change.
Not so many "I wanna be a bin man" whines.
As long as you're legacy, over 20 years, half decent duty and importantly a good office with a better than the average, albeit quite a low bar to exceed manager then it's still not that bad.
yellowbelly
Posts: 3649
Joined: 23 Jun 2015, 15:51
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by yellowbelly »

RuralVan wrote:
21 Feb 2026, 22:19
Legacy..

Working outside

My own boss outside.

Hanging on for a half decent pension.
This ^^ and also very fortunate to not have to rely on the RM pension.

Having been a manager myself in another job am confident in :speak to the hand to all their indoor bull.
Roadie8282
Posts: 26
Joined: 15 Jun 2021, 22:25
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Roadie8282 »

Tman wrote:
22 Feb 2026, 11:48
Lot's of positive replies for a change.
Not so many "I wanna be a bin man" whines.
One of the worst jobs I could think of doing is bin man.
A lot of the moaners haven't done or not done at all another job.
I've had a fair few jobs and this is certainly one of the better.
Work in the UK has changed over the past 10-15yrs with more focus on profits, H&S, HR etc which has taken any fun out of going to work.
I love the outdoor part of the job and luckily my managers are good along with pretty much all the other posties. Certainly don't dread going to work like other jobs
Cedar_Room
Posts: 825
Joined: 31 Aug 2007, 14:09

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Cedar_Room »

Legacy FT,over 20yrs service so have my own walk & full annual leave allocation etc.

Office is a ten minute walk from my front door so no commute or travelling expenses.

Half decent pension (to which I pay extra into)

Outside of the office,the job is ok as long as it isn’t pelting it down. Head down,music on. Keeps me healthy too! Get a nice tan in the summer…

Being told that when this new way of working (eventually) comes in we will be getting more Saturdays off (currently 1/4) - with earlier finishes. Fingers crossed…
“Shorts,in this weather?!”

“If they’re bills I don’t want ‘em!”

“What’s she been ordering now?”
Perseus
Posts: 1004
Joined: 21 Feb 2024, 16:45
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Perseus »

Get a good partner and you've won a watch. If you can get to 20 years, know the 'rules' and onto a singleton duty you won't really get a better job for the money in my view.
I find the people who hate the job the most tend to be long serving and pining for the golden days when every run was a single and job and finish could get you home for 10am some days.
Walter sobchak
Posts: 479
Joined: 13 Feb 2014, 04:46
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Walter sobchak »

Legacy FT contract

6 weeks annual leave

Decent sick pay and hardly ever off

Have my own duty which is rural with my only ever needing to use my pouch bag twice

Love working outside whatever the weather as I can just but the van heaters on full blast

Get close to an extra weeks wage at Xmas in tips as well as other presents and constantly get offered bottles of water and bars of chocolate from a select few old dears

Half decent pension that I’ve been paying into for just over 20 years

Insomniac so early starts don’t bother me

Not much options and opportunities of other work where I live

5 minute walk to sorting office from my house
Walter sobchak
Posts: 479
Joined: 13 Feb 2014, 04:46
Gender: Male

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Walter sobchak »

Perseus wrote:
22 Feb 2026, 14:05
Get a good partner and you've won a watch. If you can get to 20 years, know the 'rules' and onto a singleton duty you won't really get a better job for the money in my view.
I find the people who hate the job the most tend to be long serving and pining for the golden days when every run was a single and job and finish could get you home for 10am some days.
Unless you had a split shift.
Wullie10
EX ROYAL MAIL
Posts: 699
Joined: 30 Jul 2017, 12:07
Gender: Male
Location: Retired

Re: What actually keeps you in the job?

Post by Wullie10 »

I quit after 35 years when i became a glorified floater. People thinking they are safe in a cushy job because they've done the years think again. When you've lost the round you've done for years there's really nothing worth doing to keep you there.
If you can afford to quit I highly recommend it.